City to double funding for teacher training

New York City will double its funding for teacher training beginning this June, Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said.

Officials have set aside about $100 million to help prepare students for new Common Core standards that were introduced this spring, The Daily News reports.

The city spent about $50 million on teacher training last year.

Principals will have access to the funds starting next month, Walcott said earlier this week. They can choose how to spend the money as long as it helps students prepare for the tougher academic standards. Some ways to spend the money include adding teacher training sessions or buying new classroom materials.

“Doubling down like this is a significant step,” said Walcott. “It will build the strength and capacity of our teachers to deliver everything we expect of them.”

A portion of the funds will also help schools prepare for the new teacher evaluation system that the state will impose on city schools June 1.